L3800 4WD release

[redsox1]

After a bit of work managed to engage 4WD and now I can't seem to figure out how to get the lever down to switch back to 2WD. Seems like a simple mechanism, manual just said to depress clutch, what am I missing?

 

[Wolfy]

If you lift the front of the tractor with the loader, it will be much easier to engage 2wd.

 

[redsox1]

Thanks for the tip, I'll give that a try in the morning.

 

[art]

Many levers work a little hard when new do to tolerances as well as paint! To have issues removing it from four wheel drive is an air pressure issue with the tires and they may need to be adjusted so it will disengage properly.

 

[Jlillie2]

After a bit of work managed to engage 4WD and now I can't seem to figure out how to get the lever down to switch back to 2WD. Seems like a simple mechanism, manual just said to depress clutch, what am I missing?

It helps sometimes to rock the machine back and forth a couple of times. (Two feet in either direction) Also, if it is locked in 4wd, make sure you are not on a hard packed surface (like tar, or clay) as that can cause it to bind. Also, also.. if you can try to keep the wheels pointed straight ahead.

 

[zmjc]

If it won't go, releasing the brake to move a little, and then braking again, seems to help. Sometimes that's necessary for shifting ranges, too.

You do have to press pretty firmly on it.

- Mike

 

[redsox1]

Many thanks for the replies, I tried the first one today (i.e. lift front of tractor w/ FEL) and it worked like a charm. Later I put it back in 4WD and was able to shift it back again without a problem, kind of quirky i guess. Thanks again,

 

[Chilly807]

The L3400 manual suggests turning the steering wheel while you press down on the 4wd knob.

Sean

 

[General Lee]

The L3400 manual suggests turning the steering wheel while you press down on the 4wd knob.

Sean

This is what I do.....works very well.

 

[PoorMansCat]

my 4400 is finally starting to loosen up some... at first, it was a complete bear to get out of 4wd..... so much so, I started to carry it back to the dealership..... now that its got 25 hours on it and lots of 2/4 shifts...its finally getting MUCH easier....

 

[dstig1]

The L3400 manual suggests turning the steering wheel while you press down on the 4wd knob.

Sean

This is what I do.....works very well.

+2. Since you are engaging the front wheels in 4wd, turning the steering wheel a little can be enough to let it engage by messing with the gear angles a bit (something like that). Keep trying the lever as you turn it back and forth a bit. Much easier than any other method, IMHO. Mine usually goes in and out of 4wd pretty easily, but once in a while won't go in unless I move the steering wheel.